History of the Scimitar
The earliest known use of scimitars is from the 9th century. The scimitar's curved design was probably introduced into central Islamic lands by Turkic warriors from central Asia. It became widespread throughout the Middle East from at least the Ottoman period.
Where do scimitars originate?
The curved sword depicted in the coat of arms is not the traditional Russian saber, but its forerunner, the scimitar, a sword found in cultures from North Africa to China. The Persian word shamshir, meaning “lion's claw,” is generally acknowledged as the origin of the word scimitar.
When was the scimitar invented?
The earliest known use of scimitars is from the 9th century, when it was used among Turkic and Tungusic soldiers in Central Asia.
